Penn State Health & Human Development Honors Society Peer Tutoring Program

This collaborative program between Tierney Education and Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development offers a structured, evidence-based approach to peer tutoring. Designed to enhance the academic success of students, our program trains peer tutors in cognitive science and teaching strategies to foster better learning outcomes. Whether it’s helping with challenging coursework or matching students with knowledgeable peers, we’re committed to providing tailored tutoring solutions that support academic growth and build long-term study habits.

For HHD Honors Students Looking to Tutor

As an HHD Honors student, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your peers by becoming a peer tutor. Through this program, you’ll receive comprehensive training in evidence-based learning strategies, including recall, spaced practice, and metacognition, equipping you with the tools to support your fellow students’ academic success. Not only will you enhance your teaching skills, but you’ll also gain valuable leadership and communication experience that can bolster your academic and professional journey. Ready to give back and help others succeed? Apply today and become a part of our dedicated peer tutoring team.

Biology (BIOL)

  • BIOL 161: Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture

  • BIOL 162: Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Laboratory

  • BIOL 163: Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture

  • BIOL 164: Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory

For HHD Students Looking for Tutoring

If you’re looking for extra help with challenging coursework, our peer tutoring program is here for you. This program connects you with trained HHD Honors students who are ready to support your academic success. You’ll receive up to five free sessions with a tutor who specializes in your subject area, giving you the chance to reinforce your understanding, improve study habits, and tackle difficult material. Whether you need help preparing for exams or guidance with assignments, our peer tutors are equipped with evidence-based strategies to help you thrive. Take the first step toward academic success and sign up for tutoring today!

How the Peer Tutoring Program Works

Our peer tutoring program is designed to connect students in need of academic support with trained HHD Honors peer tutors, providing a collaborative and enriching learning experience for all participants. Here's how it works:

  1. Interest and Application:
    Students who are seeking tutoring and HHD Honors students interested in becoming peer tutors begin by completing a simple application form. This form gathers information about the courses they need help with or feel confident tutoring.

  2. Tutor Selection and Training:
    HHD Honors students who wish to become tutors will undergo a comprehensive training program. This training covers evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, including cognitive science principles like retrieval practice, spaced learning, and metacognition. After completing the training and passing a quiz, they are added to our system as approved tutors.

  3. Student-Tutor Matching:
    When a student requests tutoring, we match them with a peer tutor based on the course they need help with. We aim to create strong tutor-student pairs that encourage consistent and effective learning. Each tutor will then provide five free one-hour tutoring sessions. We require the tutor and student to commit to five one-hour tutoring sessions to build rapport and see results.

  4. Beyond Free Peer Tutoring Tutoring:
    After the initial five sessions, students can choose to continue with their tutor at a paid rate. The program aims to foster long-term academic growth by providing continuous access to knowledgeable, well-trained peers dedicated to supporting academic success.

Current Offerings

This list is currently being updated for the upcoming semester.
The courses below reflect tutors who have already confirmed their availability for Fall 2025. As we finalize our tutor team, more courses will be added — so if you don’t see your class listed yet, please still submit a request, and we’ll do our best to match you.

If you have any questions, please contact the Honors Society faculty advisor Dr. Dennis Shea via email at dgs4@psu.edu or reach out directly to Tierney Education through the Contact Page.